This study aimed to recommend student success management strategies that respond to first-generation students' needs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCUs play a key role in providing access to higher education for black students. While significantly contributing, HBCUs face challenges in ensuring academic achievement, especially for firstgeneration students who experience common barriers and institution-specific difficulties, including lack of financial support and academic preparation. Without addressing the unique needs of first-generation students, HBCUs risk hindering equitable educational goals and cultural preservation. A review highlighted that first-generation students comprised 25.8% of undergraduates and were overrepresented at minority-serving institutions such as HBCUs. These students relied more on financial aid yet received less; outcomes were less favorable, with only 19% attaining bachelor's degrees versus 46.6% of non-first-generation students. First-generation graduates earned or accumulated less. The institution type impacted loan repayment/debt levels. This study used grounded theory and positivism in a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Quantitative survey data were used to examine the challenges faced by first-generation students. Qualitative interviews/focus groups with students and administrators generated mutually reinforcing findings to iteratively develop targeted recommendations based on stakeholder experiences. This holistic examination had implications for strengthening institutions' viability and advancing equitable access aligned with historical missions through improved academic achievement/retention support for first-generation students who faced unique barriers. The findings guided programming-benefiting outcomes and informed continued research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]